Applying for this post To apply for this post please complete the online application process on our website: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/get-involved/careers-and-vacancies.html Data from your diversity monitoring form will not be shared with the recruitment panel. we accept other forms of submission including video and audio recordings. The Rep is a Disability Confident Employer. If you would like to apply under this scheme please selection this option on our application portal. The Rep supports and encourages applications from refugees seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. We will guarantee an interview to any refugee if they meet the minimum criteria for the job vacancy and has the legal right to work in the UK. If you would like to apply under this scheme please select this option on our application portal. We want you to feel comfortable and prepared for your interview so that you are able to show case all your brilliant skills and experience. For those with access needs we are able to offer numerous adjustments including: sending out questions in advance, allowing more time for tasks or applications, re-wording questions, providing a BSL interpreter or whatever else you might need. Don’t be afraid to talk to us at [email protected] The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 2 December at 9am Interviews will be held at The Rep on Wednesday 11 December Guidance Please read the job description carefully before starting your application to ensure that you meet all of the essential criteria and are able to provide evidence in your application to support these areas. Only relevant information will be considered when shortlisting candidates. In line with GDPR, your application will be retained securely for 6 months before being destroyed if you are unsuccessful. Vacancies will generally close by the deadline, however, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applicants. We therefore advise candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible if they wish to be considered for the role. Any applications made after the deadline will not be considered. Role Summary Established in 1913, Birmingham Rep has an unparalleled history as a pioneering repertory theatre and the launch-pad for some of the most exciting talent in UK theatre both past and present. Today it is a producing powerhouse with three auditoria - The House, 820 seats; The Studio, 300 seats; The Door, 150 seats - as well as extensive on-site production facilities. Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK and our location means over 4 million people can access our theatre within 45 minutes. Part of The Rep’s mission is to ensure that our programme is truly representative of the city it serves, and we aim to imaginatively engage with the people of Birmingham and beyond to create productions that fill our theatres with its people. In every endeavour, we promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality. The opportunities to tell our story, increase our income, engage with current audiences and reach new audiences are limitless and as such we are seeking an ambitious, creative thinker. As a senior communications expert, you’ll be adept at creating inspiring and effective comms for a multitude of target groups that promote and profile the work of The Rep in an imaginative, exciting, relevant and inspiring way. You’ll be able to craft relevant stories and messages from across the spectrum of charitable and commercial activities that are the lifeblood of The Rep and build awareness of and support for our work amongst all our stakeholders. You’ll be obsessed with filling our theatres with new and returning audiences, but also showcasing our huge schools and talent development programme, award-winning youth theatre and far-reaching community programmes. You will either be a Brummie, West-Midlander or want to get to know Birmingham and its people first-hand. You don’t need to have worked in the arts before, but you will be a passionate advocate of theatre being for everyone, regardless of background. Celebration of our City in all its rich diversity will be evident in all your narratives, both internally and externally. Main Duties and Responsibilities Press & PR Develop an integrated, flexible and professional communications strategy which enables The Rep to deliver its artistic and strategic objectives and is nuanced to speak powerfully to our diverse internal and external stakeholders. Plan and deliver target-driven national and regional media campaigns for all our major productions, adopting a ‘no stone left unturned’ approach to generating the widest possible coverage for each production/project. Be adept at pitching creative and interesting stories that seize all opportunities to achieve fantastic national and regional coverage across broadcast, print and digital media for all Rep activities. Deliver organisational PR that profiles The Rep as an ambitious theatre that is national and international in its reputation and reach, whilst being rooted in its city locality. Keep abreast of the work taking place across our organisation so that relevant stories and messages can be identified to shine a light on our work off-stage as well as on. Manage the Press Office function – responding to media requests for information and acting as an effective interface between artists, creatives and media. As part of a cross-organisation team, lead on the successful delivery of all Rep Press & VIP Nights. Marketing and communications As part of the Audiences and Media team, co-own the shared objective of achieving all of The Rep’s audience and sales targets. Lead on The Rep’s organic strategy and delivery for all Social Media channels, keeping abreast of trends and best practice. In collaboration with the Directors of Audiences and Media and Head of Marketing, create engaging and targeted video content for all Rep productions and our wider activities. Continually monitor sales and ensure press campaign priorities and comms delivery respond to sales and booking trends. Brand Development With the Directors of Audiences and Media and the Head of Marketing, create communications that support the re-positioning of The Rep’s brand and tell The Rep story using language which is relevant, accessible and inspiring. With the Directors of Audiences and Media and the Head of Marketing, contribute to the creation of a brand personality and tone of voice for The Rep. Audience Development Develop imaginative, accessible and engaging communications that help to address the under- representation of specific communities including, but not limited to global majority audiences; D/deaf and disabled audiences and patrons from lower-income households. Develop direct ‘on the ground’ working relationships with community leaders from under-represented communities. Seek and leverage opportunities across the City to raise the profile of The Rep within under-represented communities. General Responsibilities Adhere to and implement the guidelines, procedures and policies of the company as detailed in the staff policies. Adhere to and implement the guidelines, procedures and policies of the company as detailed in the staff policies (available from the staff handbook). Play a role in the life of the company and work across departments to develop a positive and engaged organisational culture including playing active and positive roles in staff forums/committee’s. Complete all mandatory e-learning and training Take ownership for the safety of the working environment for your teams by being fully complaint with the Health and Safety policies, rules and training for yourself and your team members including casual and freelancer staff Ensure you and your team are fully compliant with all mandatory training and development Be aware of, and comply with, rules and legislation pertaining to Health & Safety at work and abide by the procedures set out in the Health & Safety Policy. Take ownership for the safety of the working environment for your teams by being fully complaint with the Health and Safety policies, rules and training for yourself and your team members including casual and freelancer staff. Be aware of, and comply with, rules and legislation pertaining to data security, and GDPR, at work and abide by the procedures set out in the Data Protection Policy. All staff are expected to demonstrate an understanding of, and adherence to, our safeguarding policy, including a duty to report any issues of concern Any Other Duties The duties and responsibilities set out should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. The post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities within the organisation which are appropriate with the level of the role without changing the general character of the post. The post-holder may also be called upon to carry out duties that would not normally be associated with the post on a temporary basis where there is a strong organisational requirement for that to happen. The post-holder would be given appropriate training and equipment to carry out any duties of this kind. Key Relationships This role sits within the Marketing and Communications function of the Audiences and Media team. It is line-managed by the Directors of Audiences and Media and has line-management responsibility for the Communications Assistant. This structure may change from time to time based on business need, but reflects the broad areas of responsibility. Internal Audiences and Media team members across Marketing, Comms and Sales & Ticketing Chief Executive Artistic, Producing & Programming team members Members of the SLT and Senior Management team Staff committees and working parties as required External Media (national and regional) Rep Stakeholders Communities Audiences Audience Ambassadors External agencies Providers, suppliers and vendors Users of the theatre and the public Person Specification You must have If you do not demonstrate that you meet all these criteria you may not be shortlisted Excellent written and oral communication skills – in particular the ability to write in different styles for different channels and varying audiences – all with the requisite attention to detail. Excellent contacts across a wide variety of media, including national and regional press, and ability to leverage these in a timely fashion for the benefit of The Rep. Proven ability to prioritise workload and work efficiently and effectively to manage multiple campaigns and objectives at once. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to nurture and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to spot and craft creative and inspiring stories that connect and resonate with target audiences via media outlets and social media platforms. Knowledge of current affairs and the ability to position the work of The Rep in relation to these where appropriate – connecting the theatre with them in a way that’s relevant, engaging and reputation enhancing. Excellent digital and social media skills, along with a strong awareness of digital trends. Proven track record working as a communications professional at a senior level in the cultural sector. Demonstrable experience of achieving consistently excellent press coverage across print, digital and broadcast media. Experience of working in a target driven culture and creating communications that drive sales, attendances and income generation. Experience of using communications to enhance brand positioning. Experience leading social media messaging and content creation. Experience of working in a very busy and reactive Marketing and Communications team. Degree level or equivalent experience. A team player, prepared to ‘muck-in’ and go over and above to help meet the aims of an ambitious department. A positive ‘can do’ attitude, approachable and empathetic. Personal credibility and influence to operate effectively at all levels. Sensitivity and discretion. Commitment to furthering diversity, inclusion and representation practice in all aspects of the job in a way that is tangible and measurable. Commitment to engaging positively and enthusiastically with the city of Birmingham and its people. It’d be great if you had… If we need to choose between candidates who meet the essential criteria, we may take these factors into account. Experience of working in a busy theatre or cultural attraction. Suitable marketing / PR qualification or evidence of continued professional development. Terms and Conditions Period of work: This is a permenant contract, subject to successful completion of a probationary period of 3 months. Pay : £40,419 to £42,759 per annum dependent on experience. Hours: 39 hours per week (full time). We don't encourage or expect overtime, however in the event that over time is worked, this may be taken as time off in lieu to be agreed in advance with your line manager. Holidays: 20 days per year plus bank holidays rising to 25 days plus bank holidays with continuous service. The holiday year runs from 1 September to 31 August each year. Notice period: 8 weeks Location of work: Your main place of work will be The Rep in Birmingham, but you may be required to work permanently or temporarily at other locations locally. Other benefits: Contributory staff pension, 5% employee and 3% employer Non-contractual benefits A day off for your birthday Free-to-use employee assistance service Staff ticket discount Staff discount in The Rep food and drink outlets (when available) Access to salary sacrifice schemes including Bike to Work scheme and Health Cash Plans Numerous corporate discounts including 25% Season Ticket discount on parking at Q-Parks We actively encourage all staff to see shows as believe that being part of The Rep product enhances everyone’s experience as an employee and ambassador. To ensure everyone has a chance to attend shows every staff member is invited to attend press night for all The Rep's own productions along with further complimentary tickets where possible as well as competitive discounts throughout the year. There’s no such thing as perfection… At the Rep we don’t expect or look for the ‘perfect candidate’, instead we look for people who can positively contribute to our team. In return you will be given support, encouragement and all the right conditions to grow, succeed and be your best. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where difference is a strength and every unique voice and skill is recognised and valued. For us, recruitment is more than a match against a job description, it’s about feeling excited to come to work every day and being proud of who you work with and for. We believe The Rep is for everyone, so however you identify, whatever your background, if you feel excited about this role then we urge you to please apply. It’s important to us that The Rep reflects the communities we serve and therefore we particularly welcome applicants from the global majority and D/deaf & disabled communities as these groups are not as well represented as we want them to be. As part of our Ramps on the Moon legacy, we have experience in supporting individuals to Access to Work requests and encourage any and all staff who may benefit from the scheme to use it. We will always try to make the adjustments needed so that you can perform to the best of your ability and professionally thrive in a supportive and engaging environment. We want our Rep to be culturally informed and accessible to all, so we encourage you to celebrate and share your own cultural experience and knowledge of our city proudly in your application. As a disability confident employer, we guarantee an interview to anyone who has a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the post. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application form which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence required for each competence (or could with reasonable support), as well as meeting any of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential in the person specification. Diversity Monitoring Our ultimate aim is to have diversity of all kinds in every layer of the organisation and to help us keep track of our success we kindly ask you to complete an Equality and Diversity form alongside your application. Participation is voluntary but appreciated and your responses will be anonymous and not shared with the recruiting managers. Environmental As one of the largest producing houses in the midlands, we are aware that we have a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. As such, we are aiming to be carbon neutral within 10 years with sustainability at the forefront of our working practices and integrate climate aware work into our programme. We have committed to adopt the Green Book Sustainable Productions framework on a minimum of 2 productions a year. Our Environmental Working Group is comprised of staff from across organisation to become environmental champions and meet regularly to review and update our Environmental policy and plans. We are committed to exploring, trailing and renewing ways in which the organisation and staff can reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint. Flexible working We know flexibility is everything and we foster a working environment which is focused on outcomes. For this role you will be required to work specific hours and be present in the building to help with the running of performances. We actively encourage applications for job shares and will make every effort to accommodate these requests. Safeguarding The Rep is committed to safeguarding, and operates an environment where all staff are expected to report any concerns about vulnerable people, or about the behaviour or practice of colleagues and other people they come into contact with. Offers Any job offer we make is subject to: Receipt of 2 satisfactory references Proof of eligibility to work in the UK Role appropriate background checks Evidence of appropriate qualifications